Multi-effect cooling system utilizing heat from an engine

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a multi-effect cooling system uses heat generated from an engine having an exhaust system and cooling system. The multi-effect cooling system includes, a primary desorber and a secondary desorber. The primary desorber is heated using heat from the exhaust system. The secondary desorber is heated using heat from the cooling system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An absorption cooling system provides a method of cooling using aprimary heat source as a primary energy source. Absorption systemsfunction in a similar manner to vapor compression systems. However,instead of using a compressor to compress refrigerant and supply therefrigerant to a condenser, absorption systems use a solution circuit.The solution circuit consists of an absorber and a generator (also knownas a desorber) supplied with an absorbent. The absorbent absorbs therefrigerant in the absorber and desorbs the refrigerant in thegenerator, thus bringing the refrigerant from a low pressure, lowtemperature state to a high pressure, high temperature state. Thegenerator then supplies the refrigerant to a condenser.

Multi-effect absorption systems function in a similar manner to thebasic single effect absorption system. However, they include at leasttwo generators and either an additional absorber, an additionalcondenser or both. Multi-effect absorption systems are typically moreefficient than single effect absorption systems because they use heatdissipated from the additional absorber, additional condenser or bothand apply that heat to one of the generators for use during thedesorbing process.

An adsorption cooling system provides a method of cooling using aprimary heat source as a primary energy source. Adsorption systemsfunction in a similar manner to absorption systems. However, instead ofusing an adsorber and generator, the adsorption system uses two adsorberchambers operated in bi-directional modes. In one mode, the firstadsorber chamber adsorbs refrigerant from an evaporator while the secondadsorber chamber desorbs refrigerant; which is then supplied to acondenser and the evaporator in turn. In another mode, the secondadsorber chamber adsorbs refrigerant from the evaporator while the firstadsorber chamber desorbs refrigerant; which is then supplied to thecondenser and the evaporator in turn. In both modes, heat provides theenergy for desorbing the refrigerant from the adsorber chamber.

Multi-effect adsorptions systems function in a similar manner to thebasic single effect adsorption system. However, they include at leastanother set of adsorber chambers. Multi-effect adsorption systems aretypically more efficient than single effect adsorption systems becausethey use heat dissipated from the additional adsorber or other elementsand apply that heat to one of the desorbing adsorber chambers for useduring the desorbing process.

In multi-effect cooling systems, the use of waste heat generated byelements of the multi-effect cooling system itself improves thecoefficient of performance. However, additional improvement of thecoefficient of performance would be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an example, a method of operating a multi-effectcooling system uses heat generated from an engine having an exhaustsystem and cooling system. The multi-effect cooling system includes aprimary desorber and a secondary desorber. The primary desorber isheated using heat from the exhaust system. The secondary desorber isheated using heat from the cooling system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying figures in which like numeral referencesrefer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a simplified schematic illustration of a multi-effectcooling system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified model of an absorption system in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified model of an absorption system in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B, collectively, show a simplified model of an adsorptionsystem in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B, collectively, show a simplified model of an adsorptionsystem in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode depicting a manner inwhich a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode depicting a manner inwhich a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode depicting a manner inwhich a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode depicting a manner inwhich a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented according toanother embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode depicting a mannerin which a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented according toanother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the operation of amulti-effect cooling system is described by referring mainly to examplesthereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. Itwill be apparent however, to one of ordinary skill in the art, that theexamples described herein may be practiced without limitation to thesespecific details. In other instances, well known methods and structureshave not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure theexamples described herein.

Throughout the present disclosure, reference is made to a primarydesorber and a secondary desorber. Generally, a desorber may be definedas a device in a cooling system for desorbing refrigerant from asubstance. The primary desorber may be defined as any desorber in amulti-effect cooling system that operates at a higher temperature and/orpressure than another desorber in the multi-effect cooling system. Thesecondary desorber may be defined as any desorber in a multi-effectcooling system that operates at a lower temperature and/or pressure thananother desorber in the multi-effect cooling system.

In absorption type multi-effect cooling systems, the primary desorber isa primary generator that desorbs refrigerant from an absorbent while thesecondary desorber is a secondary generator that desorbs refrigerantfrom an absorbent. The secondary generator operates at a lowertemperature and/or pressure than the primary generator. The refrigerantmay be water while the absorbent may be lithium bromide (Li—Br).

In adsorption type multi-effect cooling systems, the primary desorber isone of at least two primary adsorber chambers that desorbs refrigerantfrom an adsorbent while the secondary desorber is one of at least twosecondary adsorber chambers that desorbs refrigerant from an adsorbent.The refrigerant may be water while the adsorbent may be silica gel.

Reference is also made to heat generated by an engine having an exhaustsystem and a cooling system. The heat generated by the engine may bedefined as any heat produced as a result of fuel combustion by theengine. The engine may be any liquid cooled combustion engine thatproduces heat. The exhaust system may be defined as a system of pipes orconduits that carry waste gases and heat from the combustion engine to apredetermined location, usually outside of a compartment housing theengine. The cooling system may be defined as a system of pipes orconduits that carry a liquid from the engine to a radiator, which coolsthe liquid and returns it to the engine, in order to reduce the engine'stemperature. In regards to the engine, reference is also made to avehicle having the engine. The vehicle may be defined as any mobileapparatus including an engine as defined above. For example, the vehiclemay be a boat, airplane, truck, car, train, or any other mobile devicehaving an engine that generates heat.

According to an example of the invention, a multi-effect cooling systemoperates to cool an area. The area may include an insulated room orcontainer for holding items (food and medicine are examples) at apredetermined temperature. The area may also include a room or containerfor holding heat producing devices such as electrical equipment.Additionally, the area may include a room or compartment occupied by ahumans or animals. For example, the area may be the interior of apassenger car, a cabin on an airplane, a room located within a cruiseship, a data center located on a tractor-trailer, or simply an insulatedstorage compartment. The multi-effect cooling system may be located on avehicle or on a static structure such as a building.

The multi-effect cooling system operates utilizing heat generated froman engine having an exhaust system and a cooling system. In general, themulti-effect cooling system includes a primary desorber and a secondarydesorber and makes use of heat generated in one component to supply heatto the secondary desorber in order to increase the coefficient ofperformance for the entire system. In this manner, the total amount ofenergy required for cooling is reduced which saves money for the userand reduces strain on environmental resources, such as, coal, oil, andnatural gas. The coefficient of performance for a multi-effect coolingsystem may be further increased by applying additional heat to thesecondary desorber from another source. In the multi-effect coolingsystem, the primary desorber operates using heat from the exhaust systemof the engine (in temperatures ranging from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius)while the secondary desorber operates using heat from the cooling systemof the engine (in temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Celsius) inaddition to heat generated from other components in the multi-effectcooling system.

In an example, the multi-effect cooling system may be a multi-effectabsorption system including a primary generator (as the primarydesorber), a secondary generator (as the secondary desorber), a primarycondenser, a secondary condenser, an absorber, and an evaporator. Theprimary generator operates using heat from the exhaust system while thesecondary generator operates using heat from the cooling system. Inaddition, the secondary generator may also operate using heat collectedfrom the primary condenser. Under some circumstances, waste heatproduced from a device being cooled by the multi-effect cooling systemmay be used to operate the secondary generator.

In another example, the multi-effect cooling system may be amulti-effect absorption system including a primary generator (as theprimary desorber), a secondary generator (as the secondary desorber), acondenser, a primary absorber, a secondary absorber, and an evaporator.The primary generator operates using heat from the exhaust system whilethe secondary generator operates using heat from the cooling system. Inaddition, the secondary generator may also operate using heat collectedfrom the primary absorber. Under some circumstances, waste heat producedfrom a device being cooled by the multi-effect cooling system may beused to operate the secondary generator.

In another example, the multi-effect cooling system may be amulti-effect adsorption system including a primary adsorber chamber (asthe primary desorber), a secondary adsorber chamber (as the secondarydesorber), a primary condenser, a secondary condenser, another primaryadsorber chamber, another secondary adsorber chamber, and an evaporator.The primary adsorber chamber operates using heat from the exhaust systemwhile the secondary adsorber chamber operates using heat from thecooling system. In addition, the secondary adsorber chamber may alsooperate using heat collected from the primary condenser. Under somecircumstances, waste heat produced from a device being cooled by themulti-effect cooling system may be used to operate the secondaryadsorber chamber.

In another example, the multi-effect cooling system may be amulti-effect adsorption system including a primary adsorber chamber (asthe primary desorber), a secondary adsorber chamber (as the secondarydesorber), a condenser, another primary adsorber chamber, anothersecondary adsorber chamber, and an evaporator. The primary adsorberchamber operates using heat from the exhaust system while the secondaryadsorber chamber operates using heat from the cooling system. Inaddition, the secondary adsorber chamber may also operate using heatcollected from the primary adsorber chamber. Under some circumstances,waste heat produced from a device being cooled by the multi-effectcooling system may be used to operate the secondary adsorber chamber.

In any of the examples described above, heat may be generated fromcomponents of the multi-effect cooling system such as condensers andabsorbers. Efficiencies may be improved by dissipating this heat to theenvironment using air moving relative to a vehicle or water in contactwith the vehicle. For example, moving air channeled through a radiatormay dissipate heat generated by a condenser and thus increase theoverall efficiency of the multi-effect cooling system. In anotherexample, a heat exchanger, such as a heat transfer plate, in contactwith a body of water, such as an ocean or lake, may dissipate heatgenerated by an absorber and may thus increase the overall efficiency ofthe multi-effect cooling system.

According to examples of the invention, total efficiency of the engineand multi-effect cooling system, taken as a unit, may be increasedthrough a variety of manners. For instance, heat from the exhaust systemwould normally be wasted. However, the primary desorber of themulti-effect cooling system uses the exhaust heat to operate. Therefore,the engine does not need to operate additional electrical powergenerators or compressors to cool an area, thus reducing the total loadon the engine. In addition, extra energy used to cool the engine itself,such as energy used to operate a radiator fan, is reduced by using heatfrom the cooling fluid to operate the secondary desorber. This providesa dual benefit by reducing energy consumption of the engine andincreasing the coefficient of performance of the multi-effect coolingsystem. Additionally, using heat from the cooling system may reduce theamount of heat supplied to the primary desorber from the exhaust system.This may reduce pressure in the exhaust system reducing the engine'sworkload and thus increasing the engine's efficiency.

With reference first to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of avehicle or static structure 100 having an engine 102, a multi-effectcooling system 104, and a cooled area 106. The engine 102 includes anexhaust system 108 and a cooling system 110. The multi-effect coolingsystem 104 includes a primary desorber 112, a secondary desorber 114,and an evaporator 116. The exhaust system 108 supplies heat to theprimary desorber 112 in any one of a variety of manners. One exampleincludes routing hot exhaust gasses through a conduit represented byarrow 118 to a heat exchanger 120 that then provides heat to the primarydesorber 112. The hot exhaust gasses may then be routed to theenvironment through a conduit designated by arrow 122. In addition oralternatively, the hot exhaust gases may be routed back to the exhaustsystem 108 through a conduit designated by arrow 124 for furtherprocessing through a catalytic converter or muffler.

The cooling system 110 supplies heat to the secondary desorber 114 inany one of a variety of manners. One example includes routing hotcooling fluid through a conduit represented by arrow 126 to a heatexchanger 128 that then provides heat to the secondary desorber 114. Thecooling fluid may then be routed back to the cooling system 110 througha conduit designated by arrow 130.

The multi-effect cooling system 104 may include additional components asshown and described in FIGS. 2-5B. The additional components may vary innumber and type depending on the type of multi-effect cooling system 104employed in the vehicle or static structure 100. For example, absorptionsystems use absorbers and generators while adsorption systems useadsorber chambers for both adsorption and desorption processes. Some ofthe additional components, designated by box 132, produce heat that isdissipated to the environment, shown by arrow 134, through a heatexchanger 136.

In one example, the heat exchanger 136 may represent a pyroelectricdevice that may be used to generate electricity to charge batteries orprovide additional electrical power to various other components from theheat dissipated by the component 132. Examples of suitable pyroelectricdevices may be found in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/678,268, filed on Oct. 6, 2003, and entitled,“Converting Heat Generated By A Component To Electrical Energy,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The multi-effect cooling system 104 provides cooling to (removes heatfrom) the cooled area 106 using the evaporator 116 through any one of avariety of manners. In one example, the evaporator 116 may exchange heatthrough a heat exchanger 138 removing heat from a fluid that is thenrouted to the cooled area 106 through a conduit designated by arrow 140.The fluid absorbs heat from the cooled area 106 and is routed back tothe heat exchanger 138 through a conduit designated by arrow 142.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a simplified model of amulti-effect absorption system 200 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The multi-effect absorption system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2is a double-effect double-condenser absorption system and includes anevaporator 202, an absorber 204, a secondary generator 206 (also knownas a secondary desorber 114 shown in FIG. 1), a primary generator 208(also known as a primary desorber 112 shown in FIG. 1), a primarycondenser 210 and a secondary condenser 212. In general, absorptionsystems use a refrigerant and an absorbent. For example, an absorptionsystem may use an ammonia/water combination, a water/lithium bromidecombination, or the like. The refrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator202 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E) 216 from, for instance, cooling fluidheated by heat dissipated from the cooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. Thevaporized refrigerant flows to the absorber 204, as indicated by thearrow 218, and the vaporized refrigerant is absorbed into the absorbentcontained in the absorber 204, thereby dissipating heat Q_(A) 220. Theheat Q_(A) 220 may be dissipated to the environment through heatexchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

The absorbent and the absorbed refrigerant flow through the secondarygenerator 206 through operation of a pump 222 and then to the primarygenerator 208 through operation of a pump 224, as indicated by thearrows 226 and 228 respectively. Alternatively, the absorbent and theabsorbed refrigerant may flow to the primary generator 208 directlythrough operation of a pump and direct line (not shown). Heat Q_(P) 230is supplied into the primary generator 208 from the exhaust system 108shown in FIG. 1 and the heat Q_(P) 230 desorbs some of the vaporizedrefrigerant from the absorbent in the primary generator 208. Thedesorbed refrigerant flows to the primary condenser 210, as indicated bythe arrow 232, which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heatQ_(PC) 234. The condensed refrigerant flows from the primary condenser210 to the secondary condenser 212 through a valve 236, as indicated bythe arrow 238.

The absorbent with the remainder of the absorbed refrigerant then flowsfrom the primary generator 208 to the secondary generator 206 through avalve 240, as indicated by the arrow 242. Heat Q_(PC) 234 dissipatedfrom the desorbed refrigerant is supplied from the primary condenser 210to the secondary generator 206. In addition, heat Q_(CS) 244 collectedfrom the cooling system 110 of the engine 102 shown in FIG. 1 is alsosupplied to the secondary generator 206. The heat Q_(PC) 234 and Q_(CS)244 desorbs additional refrigerant from the absorbent in the secondarygenerator 206. Through use of the heat Q_(CS) 244 received from thecooling system 110, the amount of heat necessary for the primarygenerator 208 may be reduced.

The additional desorbed refrigerant then flows to the secondarycondenser 206, as indicated by the arrow 246, which condenses therefrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(SC) 248. The heat Q_(SC) 248 may bedissipated to the environment through the heat exchanger 136 shown inFIG. 1. The condensed refrigerant from the primary condenser 210contained in the secondary condenser 212 mixes with the refrigerantcondensed from the secondary condenser 212. The mixed condensedrefrigerant then flows through a valve 250 back to the evaporator 202,as indicated by the arrow 252. Through operation of the above-identifiedprocess, the refrigerant is returned to a lower temperature and lowerpressure state to thereby cool the cooled area 106. The above-identifiedprocess may then be repeated on a substantially continuous basis toprovide heat removal from the cooled area 106 through the evaporator202.

The absorbent separated from the absorbed refrigerant in the secondarygenerator 206 flows back to the absorber 204 through a valve 254 asindicated by the arrow 256. In this regard, the absorbent may be re-usedin absorbing the vaporized refrigerant received from the evaporator 202.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified model of a multi-effect absorption system 300according to another embodiment of the invention. The multi-effectabsorption system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a double-effectdouble-absorber absorption system and includes an evaporator 302, asecondary absorber 304, a primary absorber 306, a secondary generator308 (also known as a secondary desorber 114 shown in FIG. 1), a primarygenerator 310 (also known as a primary desorber 112 shown in FIG. 1),and a condenser 312. In general, absorption systems use a refrigerantand an absorbent as described hereinabove. The refrigerant vaporizes inthe evaporator 302 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E) 314 from, for instance,cooling fluid heated by heat dissipated from the cooled area 106 shownin FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to the secondary absorber304, as indicated by the arrow 316, and a portion of the vaporizedrefrigerant is absorbed into a secondary absorbent contained in thesecondary absorber 304, thereby dissipating heat Q_(SA) 318. The heatQ_(SA) 318 may be dissipated to the environment through the heatexchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

The absorbent and the absorbed refrigerant flow to the secondarygenerator 308 through operation of a pump 320, as indicated by the arrow322. The remaining refrigerant flows to the primary absorber 306, asindicated by the arrow 324, and the remaining refrigerant is absorbedinto a primary absorbent contained in the primary absorber 306, therebydissipating heat Q_(PA) 326. The heat Q_(PA) 326 is supplied to thesecondary generator 308.

The primary absorbent with the remaining refrigerant flow to the primarygenerator 310 through operation of a pump 328, as indicated by the arrow330. Heat Q_(P) 332 is supplied to the primary generator 310 from theexhaust system 108 shown in FIG. 1 and the heat Q_(P) 332 desorbs mostof the refrigerant from the primary absorbent in the primary generator310. The desorbed refrigerant flows to the secondary generator 308, asindicated by the arrow 334. The primary absorbent flows through valve336 to the primary absorber 306, as indicated by the arrow 338, forre-use in the primary absorber 306.

As indicated hereinabove, heat Q_(PA) 326 dissipated from the desorbedrefrigerant is supplied from the primary absorber 306 to the secondarygenerator 308. In addition, heat Q_(CS) 340 collected from the coolingsystem 110 of the engine 102 shown in FIG. 1 is also supplied to thesecondary generator 308. The heat Q_(PA) 326 and heat Q_(CS) 340 desorbsrefrigerant from the secondary absorbent at the secondary generator 308.Through use of the heat Q_(CS) 340 received from the cooling system 110,the amount of heat necessary for the primary generator 310 may bereduced.

The secondary absorbent then flows through valve 342 to the secondaryabsorber 304, as indicated by the arrow 344, for re-use in the secondaryabsorber 304. The desorbed refrigerant from the primary generator 310contained in the secondary generator 308 mixes with the refrigerantdesorbed at the secondary generator 308. The combined refrigerant thenflows to the condenser 312, as indicated by the arrow 346. The condenser312 generally operates to condense the combined refrigerant and therebydissipate heat Q_(C) 348. The heat Q_(C) 348 may be dissipated to theenvironment through heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1. The condensedrefrigerant then flows through valve 350 back to the evaporator 304, asindicated by the arrow 352. Through operation of the above-identifiedprocess, the refrigerant is returned to a lower temperature and lowerpressure state to thereby cool the cooled area 106. The above-identifiedprocess may then be repeated on a substantially continuous basis toprovide heat removal from the cooled area 106 through the evaporator302.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown, collectively, asimplified model of a multi-effect adsorption system 400 according to anexample of the invention. FIG. 4A shows the forward cycle while FIG. 4Bshows the reverse cycle. Some components in the multi-effect adsorptionsystem 400 function as desorbers in the forward cycle and then functionas adsorbers in the reverse cycle. As a consequence, some items in FIGS.4A and 4B are located in different positions in the simplified model.The multi-effect adsorption system 400 operates according to areversible process, a forward cycle and a reverse cycle, each of whichprovides cooling by removing heat in the evaporator 402. Themulti-effect adsorption system 400 is a double-effect double-condenseradsorption system and includes an evaporator 402, a first primaryadsorber chamber (PAC1) 404, a second primary adsorber chamber (PAC2)406 (also known as the primary desorber 112 shown in FIG. 1), a firstsecondary adsorber chamber (SAC1) 408, a second secondary adsorberchamber (SAC2) 410 (also known as a secondary desorber 114 shown in FIG.1), a primary condenser 412 and a secondary condenser 414. In general,adsorption systems use a refrigerant and an adsorbent. For example, anadsorption system may use water and silica gel or Kansi carboncombinations.

In the multi-effect adsorption system 400, the first primary adsorberchamber (PAC1) 404 and the second primary adsorber chamber (PAC2) 406may be formed as two separate chambers arranged in such a manner as totransfer heat between one another. Similarly, the first secondaryadsorber chamber (SAC1) 408 and the second secondary adsorber chamber(SAC2) 410 may be formed as two separate chambers arranged in such amanner as to transfer heat between one another.

Referring now to the forward cycle illustrated in FIG. 4A, some of therefrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 402, thereby absorbing heatQ_(E) 416 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipatedfrom the cooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerantflows to the first secondary adsorber chamber 408, as indicated by thearrow 418, and the vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbentcontained in the first secondary adsorber chamber 408, therebydissipating heat Q_(SA) 420. Additionally, more of the refrigerantvaporizes in the evaporator 402 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E) 416 from,for instance, cooling fluid heated by adsorbing heat from the cooledarea 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to the firstprimary adsorber chamber 404, as indicated by the arrow 422, and thevaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbent contained in thefirst primary adsorber chamber 404, thereby dissipating heat Q_(PA) 424.The heat Q_(SA) 420 and Q_(PA) 424 may be dissipated to the environmentthrough the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

The refrigerant adsorbed into the first secondary adsorber chamber 408and the first primary adsorber chamber 404 originated from the secondsecondary adsorber chamber 410 and the second primary adsorber chamber406, respectively. Some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the secondprimary adsorber chamber 406. Heat Q_(P) 426 is supplied into the secondprimary adsorber chamber 406 from the exhaust system 108 shown in FIG. 1and the heat Q_(P) 426 desorbs some of the refrigerant from theadsorbent in the second primary adsorber chamber 406. The desorbedrefrigerant flows to the primary condenser 412 as indicated by the arrow428 which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(PC) 430. Thecondensed refrigerant flows from the primary condenser 412 to thesecondary condenser 414, as indicated by the arrow 432.

Likewise, some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the second secondaryadsorber chamber 410. The heat Q_(PC) 430 is supplied to the secondsecondary adsorber chamber 410 along with the heat Q_(CS) 434 from thecooling system 110 shown in FIG. 1 and together desorb some of therefrigerant from the adsorbent in the second secondary adsorber chamber410. The desorbed refrigerant flows to the secondary condenser 414 asindicated by the arrow 436 which condenses the refrigerant anddissipates heat Q_(SC) 438. The condensed refrigerant then flows fromthe secondary condenser 414 to the evaporator 402, as indicated by thearrow 440. The heat Q_(SC) 438 may be dissipated to the environmentthrough the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to the reverse cycle illustrated in FIG. 4B, some of therefrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 402 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E)416 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipated from thecooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to thesecond secondary adsorber chamber (SAC2) 410, as indicated by the arrow418, and the vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbentcontained in the second secondary adsorber chamber 410, therebydissipating heat Q_(SA) 420. Additionally, more of the refrigerantvaporizes in the evaporator 402 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E) 416 from,for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipated from the cooledarea 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to the secondprimary adsorber chamber (PAC2) 406, as indicated by the arrow 422, andthe vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbent contained inthe second primary adsorber chamber 406, thereby dissipating heat Q_(PA)424. The heat Q_(SA) 420 and the heat Q_(PA) 424 may be dissipated tothe environment through the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

The refrigerant adsorbed into the second secondary adsorber chamber 410and the second primary adsorber chamber 406 originated from the firstsecondary adsorber chamber (SAC1) 408 and the first primary adsorberchamber (PAC1) 404, respectively. Some of the refrigerant is desorbedfrom the first primary adsorber chamber 404. Heat Q_(P) 426 is suppliedinto the first primary adsorber chamber 404 from the exhaust system 108shown in FIG. 1 and the heat Q_(P) 426 desorbs some of the refrigerantfrom the adsorbent in the first primary adsorber chamber 404. Thedesorbed refrigerant flows to the primary condenser 412 as indicated bythe arrow 428 which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(PC)430. The condensed refrigerant flows from the primary condenser 412 tothe secondary condenser 414, as indicated by the arrow 432.

Likewise, some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the first secondaryadsorber chamber 408. The heat Q_(PC) 430 is supplied to the firstsecondary adsorber chamber 408 along with the heat Q_(CS) 434 from thecooling system 110 shown in FIG. 1 and together desorb some of therefrigerant from the adsorbent in the first secondary adsorber chamber408. The desorbed refrigerant flows to the secondary condenser 414 asindicated by the arrow 436 which condenses the refrigerant anddissipates heat Q_(SC) 438. The condensed refrigerant then flows fromthe secondary condenser 414 to the evaporator 402, as indicated by thearrow 440. The heat Q_(SC) 438 may be dissipated to the environmentthrough the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown, collectively, asimplified model of a multi-effect adsorption system 500 according to anexample of the invention. FIG. 5A shows the forward cycle while FIG. 5Bshows the reverse cycle. Some components in the multi-effect adsorptionsystem 500 function as desorbers in the forward cycle and then functionas adsorbers in the reverse cycle. As a consequence, some items in FIGS.5A and 5B are located in different positions in the simplified model.The multi-effect adsorption system 500 operates according to areversible process, a forward cycle and a reverse cycle, each of whichprovides cooling by removing heat in an evaporator 502. FIG. 5A showsthe forward cycle while FIG. 5B shows the reverse cycle. Themulti-effect adsorption system 500 is a double-effect single-condenseradsorption system and includes an evaporator 502, a first primaryadsorber chamber (PAC1) 504, a second primary adsorber chamber (PAC2)506 (also known as the primary desorber 112 shown in FIG. 1), a firstsecondary adsorber chamber (SAC1) 508, a second secondary adsorberchamber (SAC2) 510 (also known as a secondary desorber 114 shown in FIG.1), and a condenser 512. In general, adsorption systems use arefrigerant and an adsorbent. For example, an adsorption system may usewater and silica gel or Kansi carbon combinations.

In the multi-effect adsorption system 500, the first primary adsorberchamber (PAC1) 504 and the second primary adsorber chamber (PAC2) 506may be formed as two separate chambers arranged in such a manner as totransfer heat between one another. Similarly, the first secondaryadsorber chamber (SAC1) 508 and the second secondary adsorber chamber(SAC2) 510 may be formed as two separate chambers arranged in such amanner as to transfer heat between one another.

Referring now to the forward cycle illustrated in FIG. 5A, some of therefrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 502 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E)514 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipated from thecooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to thefirst secondary adsorber chamber 508, as indicated by the arrow 516, andthe vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbent contained inthe first secondary adsorber chamber 508, thereby dissipating heatQ_(SA) 518. The heat Q_(SA) 518 may be dissipated to the environmentthrough the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, more ofthe refrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 502 thereby absorbing heatQ_(E) 514 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipatedfrom the cooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerantflows to the first primary adsorber chamber 504, as indicated by thearrow 520, and the vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbentcontained in the first primary adsorber chamber 504, thereby dissipatingheat Q_(PA) 522.

The refrigerant adsorbed into the first secondary adsorber chamber 508and the first primary adsorber chamber 504 originated from the secondsecondary adsorber chamber 510 and the second primary adsorber chamber506, respectively. Some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the secondprimary adsorber chamber 506. Heat Q_(P) 524 is supplied into the secondprimary adsorber chamber 506 from the exhaust system 108 shown in FIG. 1and the heat Q_(P) 524 desorbs some of the refrigerant from theadsorbent in the second primary adsorber chamber 506. The desorbedrefrigerant flows to the condenser 512 as indicated by the arrow 526which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(C) 528.

Likewise, some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the second secondaryadsorber chamber 510. The heat Q_(PA) 522 is supplied to the secondsecondary adsorber chamber 510 along with the heat Q_(CS) 530 from thecooling system 110 shown in FIG. 1 and together desorb some of therefrigerant from the adsorbent in the second secondary adsorber chamber510. The desorbed refrigerant flows to the condenser 512 as indicated bythe arrow 532 which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(C)528. The condensed refrigerant then flows from the condenser 512 to theevaporator 502, as indicated by the arrow 534. The heat Q_(C) 528 may bedissipated to the environment through the heat exchanger 136 shown inFIG. 1.

Referring now to the reverse cycle illustrated in FIG. 5B, some of therefrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 502 thereby absorbing heat Q_(E)514 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated by heat dissipated from thecooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporized refrigerant flows to thesecond secondary adsorber chamber 510, as indicated by the arrow 516,and the vaporized refrigerant is adsorbed into the adsorbent containedin the second secondary adsorber chamber 510, thereby dissipating theheat Q_(SA) 518. The heat Q_(SA) 518 may be dissipated to theenvironment through heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1. Additionally,more of the refrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator 502 therebyabsorbing heat Q_(E) 514 from, for instance, cooling fluid heated byheat dissipated from the cooled area 106 shown in FIG. 1. The vaporizedrefrigerant flows to the second primary adsorber chamber 506, asindicated by the arrow 520, and the vaporized refrigerant is adsorbedinto the adsorbent contained in the second primary adsorber chamber 506,thereby dissipating the heat Q_(PA) 522.

The refrigerant adsorbed into the second secondary adsorber chamber 510and the second primary adsorber chamber 506 originated from the firstsecondary adsorber chamber 508 and the first primary adsorber chamber504, respectively. Some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the firstprimary adsorber chamber 504. Heat Q_(P) 524 is supplied into the firstprimary adsorber chamber 504 from the exhaust system 108 shown in FIG. 1and the heat Q_(P) 524 desorbs some of the refrigerant from theadsorbent in the first primary adsorber chamber 504. The desorbedrefrigerant flows to the condenser 512 as indicated by the arrow 526which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(C) 528.

Likewise, some of the refrigerant is desorbed from the first secondaryadsorber chamber 508. The heat Q_(PA) 522 is supplied to the firstsecondary adsorber chamber 508 along with the heat Q_(CS) 530 from thecooling system 110 shown in FIG. 1 and together desorb some of therefrigerant from the adsorbent in the first secondary adsorber chamber508. The desorbed refrigerant flows to the condenser 512 as indicated bythe arrow 532 which condenses the refrigerant and dissipates heat Q_(C)528. The condensed refrigerant then flows to the evaporator 502, asindicated by the arrow 534. The heat Q_(C) 528 may be dissipated to theenvironment through the heat exchanger 136 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode 600 depicting amanner in which a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented inaccordance with an example of the invention. The following descriptionof the operational mode 600 is made with reference to the block diagram100 illustrated in FIG. 1, and thus makes reference to the elementscited therein. The following description of the operational mode 600 isone manner in which the multi-effect cooling system 104 may beimplemented. In this respect, it is to be understood that the followingdescription of the operational mode 600 is but one manner of a varietyof different manners in which such a multi-effect cooling system 104 maybe operated.

In the operational mode 600, the multi-effect cooling system 104 isoperated utilizing heat from the engine 102. The exhaust system 108heats the primary desorber 112 at step 602. The cooling system 110 heatsthe secondary desorber 114 at step 604. Manners in which heat from theengine 102 may be transferred to the multi-effect cooling system 104 aredescribed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 1. In addition, theexhaust system 108 and the cooling system 110 provide substantially allof the power used to operate the multi-effect cooling system 104.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode 700 depicting amanner in which a multi-effect cooling system may be implementedaccording to an example of the invention. The following description ofthe operational mode 700 is made with reference to the block diagram 100and schematic illustration 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,respectively, and thus makes reference to the elements cited therein.The following description of the operational mode 700 is one manner inwhich the multi-effect cooling system may be implemented. In thisrespect, it is to be understood that the following description of theoperational mode 700 is but one manner of a variety of different mannersin which such a multi-effect cooling system 104 may be operated.

In the operational mode 700, the exhaust system 108 of the engine 102heats the primary generator 208 of the multi-effect absorption system200 at step 702. The heat Q_(P) 230 provides the primary source ofenergy to the multi-effect absorption system 200 for cooling the cooledarea 106. The cooling system 110 of the engine 102 heats the secondarygenerator 206 of the multi-effect absorption system 200 at step 704. Theheat Q_(CS) 244 provides a secondary source of energy to themulti-effect absorption system 200. Additionally, heat dissipated by theprimary condenser 210 may be collected at step 706. The collected heatmay then be transferred to the secondary generator 206 to provide anadditional source of energy to the multi-effect absorption system 200 atstep 708. The heat may be collected and transferred in a variety ofmanners including, but not limited to, using heat pipes and/orthermosiphons (not shown) to collect and transfer heat from the primarycondenser 210 to the secondary generator 206. For example, an evaporatorof the heat pipe or thermosiphon may be wrapped around the primarycondenser 210 while a condenser of the heat pipe or thermosiphon may bewrapped around the secondary generator 206.

In any respect, during operation of the multi-effect absorption system200, both the secondary condenser 212 and the absorber 204 produce heatQ_(SC) 248 and heat Q_(A) 220, respectively, which may be dissipated tothe environment in a variety of manners. For instance, the heatexchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(SC) 248 and/or the heat Q_(A) 220to the environment using air moving relative to the vehicle 100 havingthe engine 102 at step 710. Step 710 may be implemented if the vehicleis a ship, automobile, train, airplane, or any other mobile vehicle. Inanother example, the heat exchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(SC) 248and/or heat Q_(A) 220 to the environment using water in contact with thevehicle 100 having the engine 102 at step 712. Step 712 may beimplemented if the vehicle is a ship, submarine, amphibious vehicle, orany other vehicle which moves in an aquatic environment. In anotherexample, heat Q_(SC) 248 and heat Q_(A) 220 may be converted intoelectricity using a pyroelectric device at step 714, in manners asdescribed herein above with respect to the heat exchanger 136.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode 800 depicting amanner in which a multi-effect cooling system may be implemented inaccordance with an example of the invention. The following descriptionof the operational mode 800 is made with reference to the block diagram100 and schematic illustration 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3,respectively, and thus makes reference to the elements cited therein.The following description of the operational mode 800 is one manner inwhich the multi-effect cooling system 104 may be implemented. In thisrespect, it is to be understood that the following description of theoperational mode 800 is but one manner of a variety of different mannersin which such a multi-effect cooling system may be operated.

In the operational mode 800, the exhaust system 108 of the engine 102heats the primary generator 310 of the multi-effect absorption system300 at step 802. The heat Q_(P) 322 provides the primary source ofenergy to the multi-effect absorption system 300 for cooling the cooledarea 106. The cooling system 110 of the engine 102 heats the secondarygenerator 308 of the multi-effect absorption system 300 at step 704. Theheat Q_(CS) 340 provides a secondary source of energy to themulti-effect absorption system 300. Additionally, heat dissipated by theprimary absorber 306 may be collected at step 806. The collected heatmay then be transferred to the secondary generator 308 to provide anadditional source of energy to the multi-effect absorption system 300 atstep 808. The heat may be collected and transferred in a variety ofmanners including, but not limited to, using heat pipes and/orthermosiphons (not shown) to collect and transfer heat from the primaryabsorber 306 to the secondary generator 308. For example, an evaporatorof the heat pipe or thermosiphon may be wrapped around the primaryabsorber 306 while a condenser of the heat pipe or thermosiphon may bewrapped around the secondary generator 308.

In any regard, during operation of the multi-effect absorption system300, both the condenser 312 and the secondary absorber 318 produce heatQ_(C) 348 and heat Q_(SA) 318, respectively, which may be dissipated tothe environment in a variety of manners. For instance, the heatexchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(C) 348 and/or the heat Q_(SA) 318to the environment using air moving relative to the vehicle 100 havingthe engine 102 at step 810. Step 810 may be implemented if the vehicleis a ship, automobile, train, airplane, or any other mobile vehicle. Inanother example, the heat exchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(C) 348and/or heat Q_(SA) 318 to the environment using water in contact withthe vehicle 100 having the engine 102 at step 812. Step 812 may beimplemented if the vehicle is a ship, submarine, amphibious vehicle, orany other vehicle which moves in an aquatic environment. In anotherexample, heat Q_(C) 348 and heat Q_(SA) 318 may be converted intoelectricity using a pyroelectric device at step 814.

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode 900 depicting amanner in which a multi-effect cooling system may be implementedaccording to an example of the invention. The following description ofthe operational mode 900 is made with reference to the block diagram 100and schematic illustration 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4A-4B,respectively, and thus makes reference to the elements cited therein.The following description of the operational mode 900 is one manner inwhich the multi-effect cooling system 104 may be implemented. In thisrespect, it is to be understood that the following description of theoperational mode 900 is but one manner of a variety of different mannersin which such a multi-effect cooling system 104 may be operated.

In the operational mode 900, the exhaust system 108 of the engine 102heats the second primary adsorber chamber 406 of the multi-effectadsorption system 400 at step 902. The heat Q_(P) 426 provides theprimary source of energy to the multi-effect adsorption system 400 forcooling the cooled area 106. The cooling system 110 of the engine 102heats the second secondary adsorber chamber 410 of the multi-effectadsorption system 400 at step 904. The heat Q_(CS) 434 provides asecondary source of energy to the multi-effect adsorption system 400.Additionally, heat dissipated by the primary condenser 412 may becollected at step 906. The collected heat may then be transferred to thesecond secondary adsorber chamber 410 to provide an additional source ofenergy to the multi-effect adsorption system 400 at step 908. The heatmay be collected and transferred in a variety of manners including, butnot limited to, using heat pipes and/or thermosiphons to collect andtransfer heat from the primary condenser 412 to the secondary adsorberchamber 410. For example, an evaporator of the heat pipe or thermosiphonmay be wrapped around the primary condenser 412 while a condenser of theheat pipe or thermosiphon may be wrapped around the secondary adsorberchamber 410.

In any respect, during operation of the multi-effect adsorption system400, the secondary condenser 438, the first secondary adsorber chamber408, and the first primary adsorber chamber 404 produce heat Q_(SC) 438,heat Q_(SA) 420, and heat Q_(PA) 424, respectively, which may bedissipated to the environment in a variety of manners. For instance, theheat exchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(SC) 438, the heat Q_(SA)420, and/or the heat Q_(PA) 424 to the environment using air movingrelative to the vehicle 100 having the engine 102 at step 910. Step 910may be implemented if the vehicle is a ship, automobile, train,airplane, or any other mobile vehicle. In another example, the heatexchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(SC) 438, the heat Q_(SA) 420,and/or the heat Q_(PA) 424 to the environment using water in contactwith the vehicle 100 having the engine 102 at step 912. Step 912 may beimplemented if the vehicle is a ship, submarine, amphibious vehicle, orany other vehicle which moves in an aquatic environment. In anotherexample, heat Q_(SA) 420 and heat Q_(PA) 424 may be converted intoelectricity using a pyroelectric device at step 914.

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of an operational mode 1000 depicting amanner in which a multi-effect cooling system may be implementedaccording to an example of the invention. The following description ofthe operational mode 1000 is made with reference to the block diagram100 and schematic illustration 500 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5A-5B,respectively, and thus makes reference to the elements cited therein.The following description of the operational mode 1000 is one manner inwhich the multi-effect cooling system 104 may be implemented. In thisrespect, it is to be understood that the following description of theoperational mode 1000 is but one manner of a variety of differentmanners in which such a multi-effect cooling system 104 may be operated.

In the operational mode 1000, the exhaust system 108 of the engine 102heats the second primary adsorber chamber 506 of the multi-effectadsorption system 500 at step 1002. The heat Q_(P) 524 provides theprimary source of energy to the multi-effect adsorption system 500 forcooling the cooled area 106. The cooling system 110 of the engine 102heats the second secondary adsorber chamber 510 of the multi-effectadsorption system 500 at step 1004. The heat Q_(CS) 530 provides asecondary source of energy to the multi-effect adsorption system 500.Additionally, heat dissipated by the first primary adsorber chamber 504may be collected at step 1006. The collected heat may then betransferred to the second secondary adsorber chamber 510 to provide anadditional source of energy to the multi-effect adsorption system 500 atstep 1008. The heat may be collected and transferred in a variety ofmanners including, but not limited to, using heat pipes and/orthermosiphons to collect and transfer heat from the first primaryadsorber chamber 504 to the second secondary adsorber chamber 510. Forexample, an evaporator of the heat pipe or thermosiphon may be wrappedaround the primary absorber chamber 504 while a condenser of the heatpipe or thermosiphon may be wrapped around the secondary adsorberchamber 510.

In any respect, during operation of the multi-effect adsorption system500, the condenser 528 and the first secondary adsorber chamber 508produce heat Q_(C) 528 and heat Q_(SA) 518, respectively, which may bedissipated to the environment in a variety of manners. For instance, theheat exchanger 136 may disperse the heat Q_(C) 528 and/or the heatQ_(SA) 518 to the environment using air moving relative to the vehicle100 having the engine 102 at step 1010. Step 1010 may be implemented ifthe vehicle is a ship, automobile, train, airplane, or any other mobilevehicle. In another example, the heat exchanger 136 may disperse theheat Q_(C) 528 and/or the heat Q_(SA) 518 to the environment using waterin contact with the vehicle 100 having the engine 102 at step 1012. Step1012 may be implemented if the vehicle is a ship, submarine, amphibiousvehicle, or any other vehicle which moves in an aquatic environment. Inanother example, heat Q_(C) 528 and heat Q_(SA) 518 may be convertedinto electricity using a pyroelectric device at step 1014.

The steps illustrated in the operational modes 600, 700, 800, 900, and1000 may be implemented manually or automatically. For instance, in amanual operation, a user of the multi-effect cooling system 104 may openor close valves that route exhaust gases and/or cooling fluid to thedesorbers thus providing the desorbers with energy to operate. In anautomatic implementation, valves may be controlled by a control system.Additionally, the control system may contain a utility, program,subprogram, in any desired computer accessible medium. Furthermore, theoperational modes 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 may be embodied by acomputer program, which can exist in a variety of forms both active andinactive. For example, they can exist as software program(s) comprisedof program instructions in source code, object code, executable code orother formats. Any of the above can be embodied on a computer readablemedium, which include storage devices and signals, in compressed oruncompressed form.

Examples of suitable computer readable storage devices includeconventional computer system RAM (random access memory), ROM (read onlymemory), EPROM (erasable, programmable ROM), EEPROM (electricallyerasable, programmable ROM), and magnetic or optical disks or tapes.Examples of computer readable signals, whether modulated using a carrieror not, are signals that a computer system hosting or running thecomputer program can be configured to access, including signalsdownloaded through the Internet or other networks. Concrete examples ofthe foregoing include distribution of the programs on a CD ROM or viaInternet download. In a sense, the Internet itself, as an abstractentity, is a computer readable medium. The same is true of computernetworks in general. It is therefore to be understood that thosefunctions enumerated below may be performed by any electronic devicecapable of executing the above-described functions.

As described hereinabove, the amount of heat supplied to the primarydesorber 112 may be reduced based upon the amount of heat supplied tothe secondary desorber 114. Thus, for instance, if a greater volume orhigher temperature heat is supplied to the secondary desorber 114, theamount of heat supplied from the exhaust system 108 may be relativelyreduced, reducing the pressure in the exhaust system 108 of the engine102 and thereby increasing efficiency of the engine 102. Additionally,efficiency of the multi-effect cooling system 104 increases because ofthe increase in the coefficient of performance due to the use of heatfrom the cooling system 110 of the engine 102.

For instance, an improvement to the coefficient of performance isobtained from the arrangements described above. The coefficient ofperformance of a multi-effect cooling system may be given by thefollowing equation:${COP} = {\frac{EvaporatorHeatLoad}{GeneratorHeatLoad} = \frac{Q_{E}}{Q_{P}}}$Typically, Q_(CS) is zero in multi-effect cycles because the heatrequirement in the secondary desorber is fulfilled by Q_(X), heatobtained from another component. This leads to higher coefficients ofperformance compared to single effect cooling cycles.

By virtue of the arrangements described herein above, additional Q_(CS)from the cooling system 110 can reduce the Q_(P) consumed by the cyclewithout changing the delivered cooling (that is, Q_(E)). In one respect,because any reduction in Q_(P) will improve the COP, as shown in theequation above, the COP may be improved with the additional Q_(CS) fromthe cooling system 110 of the engine. This change may improve the COP byas much as 100%. Therefore, according to embodiments of the inventionthe COP of a multi-effect cooling system may be improved.

Additionally, the second law efficiency is improved from thearrangements shown above. The second law efficiency (η_(II)) is definedas a ratio of actual work (W) over the available work (W_(max)). Theavailable work is defined as a product of the heat added to the systemand the Carnot efficiency. In embodiments of the invention, theavailable work is the total power supplied by the engine 102 for coolingthe cooled area 106.$\eta_{II} = {\frac{W}{W_{\max}} = {1 - \frac{W_{lost}}{W_{\max}}}}$

In addition, the lost work (W_(lost)) is the heat rejected to theenvironment times the Carnot efficiency.$W_{lost} = {{Q\quad\eta_{carnot}} = {Q\left( {1 - \frac{T_{o}}{T_{exhaust}}} \right)}}$

-   -   where T_(o) is the ambient temperature.

Any utilization of heat (Q_(CS)) for cooling of the cooled area 106reduces the W_(lost) significantly and generally improves the second lawefficiency of multi-effect cooling systems.

By virtue of certain examples, heat generated through operation of anengine may be supplied to a multi-effect cooling system, eitherabsorption or adsorption types, to cool cooling fluid delivered to acooled area. In one regard, the heat Q_(CS) collected from the coolingsystem of the engine, reduces the amount of energy used by the engine tocool itself. The reduction increases the efficiency of the engine. Adual efficiency increase may be obtained though implementation ofexamples of the multi-effect cooling systems described herein.

What has been described and illustrated herein are examples ofmulti-effect cooling systems along with some of variations. The terms,descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way ofillustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in theart will recognize that many variations are possible within the spiritand scope of the examples, which are intended to be defined by thefollowing claims—and their equivalents—in which all terms are meant intheir broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

1. A method of operating a multi-effect cooling system, including aprimary desorber and a secondary desorber, utilizing heat generated froman engine having an exhaust system and cooling system, the methodcomprising: heating the primary desorber using heat from the exhaustsystem; and heating the secondary desorber using heat from the coolingsystem.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of heatingthe primary desorber comprises heating a primary generator, wherein thestep of heating the secondary desorber comprises heating a secondarygenerator, and wherein the primary desorber comprises the primarygenerator and the secondary desorber comprises the secondary generator.3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the multi-effect coolingsystem further includes a primary condenser, the method furthercomprising: collecting heat dissipated by the primary condenser; andtransferring the collected heat from the primary condenser to thesecondary generator.
 4. The method according to claim 3, furthercomprising: collecting and transferring the collected heat using atleast one of a heat pipe and a thermosiphon.
 5. The method according toclaim 3, wherein the multi-effect cooling system further includes anabsorber and a secondary condenser and wherein the engine is containedon a vehicle, the method further comprising: dispersing heat generatedfrom at least one of the absorber and the secondary condenser using airmoving relative to the vehicle.
 6. The method according to claim 3,wherein the multi-effect cooling system further includes an absorber anda secondary condenser and wherein the engine is contained on a vehicle,the method further comprising: dispersing heat generated from at leastone of the absorber and the secondary condenser using water in contactwith the vehicle.
 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein themulti-effect cooling system further includes a primary absorber, themethod further comprising: collecting heat dissipated by the primaryabsorber; and transferring the collected heat from the primary absorberto the secondary generator.
 8. The method according to claim 7, whereinthe multi-effect cooling system further includes a condenser and asecondary absorber and wherein the engine is contained on a vehicle, themethod further comprising: dispersing heat generated from at least oneof the condenser and the secondary absorber using air moving relative tothe vehicle.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein themulti-effect cooling system further includes a condenser and a secondaryabsorber and wherein the engine is contained on a vehicle, the methodfurther comprising: dispersing heat generated from at least one of thecondenser and the secondary absorber using water in contact with thevehicle.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofheating the primary desorber comprises heating a primary adsorberchamber, wherein the step of heating the secondary desorber comprisesheating a secondary adsorber chamber, and wherein the primary desorbercomprises the primary adsorber chamber and the secondary desorbercomprises the secondary adsorber chamber.
 11. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the multi-effect cooling system further includes aprimary condenser, the method further comprising: collecting heatdissipated by the primary condenser; and transferring the collected heatfrom the primary condenser to the secondary adsorber chamber.
 12. Themethod according to claim 11, further comprising: collecting andtransferring the collected heat using at least one of a heat pipe and athermosiphon.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein themulti-effect cooling system further includes a secondary condenser andwherein the engine is contained on a vehicle, the method furthercomprising: dispersing heat generated from at least one of the secondaryadsorber chamber and the secondary condenser using at least one of airand water outside of the vehicle.
 14. The method according to claim 10,the method further comprising: collecting heat dissipated by the primaryadsorber chamber; and transferring the collected heat from the primaryadsorber chamber to the secondary adsorber chamber.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the multi-effect cooling system furtherincludes a condenser and wherein the engine is contained on a vehicle,the method further comprising: dispersing heat generated from at leastone of the condenser and the secondary adsorber chamber using at leastone of air and water outside of the vehicle.
 16. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the cooling system includes a cooling fluid forcollecting heat dissipated by the engine and wherein the step of heatingthe secondary desorber comprises heating the secondary desorber withheat collected from the engine by the cooling fluid.
 17. A vehiclecomprising: an engine having an exhaust system and a cooling system,both the exhaust system and cooling system conveying heat generated fromthe engine; a multi-effect cooling system having a primary desorber anda secondary desorber; means for heating the primary desorber using heatfrom the exhaust system of the engine; and means for heating thesecondary desorber using heat from the cooling system of the engine. 18.The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising: means for removing heatfrom the multi-effect cooling system using at least one of air movingrelative to the vehicle and water outside of the vehicle.
 19. Thevehicle of claim 17, further comprising: means for reusing heatgenerated from the multi-effect cooling system.
 20. The vehicle of claim17, wherein the primary desorber further comprises: means for desorbinga refrigerant from a solid adsorbent.
 21. The vehicle of claim 17,wherein the primary desorber further comprises: means for desorbing arefrigerant from a liquid absorbent.
 22. A multi-effect cooling systemfor a vehicle including an engine having an exhaust system and a coolingsystem, the cooling system comprising: a primary desorber; a secondarydesorber; a primary heat exchanger for supplying heat to the primarydesorber from the exhaust system; and a secondary heat exchanger forsupplying heat to the secondary desorber from the cooling system. 23.The multi-effect cooling system of claim 22, wherein the primarydesorber comprises a primary generator and the secondary desorbercomprises a secondary generator.
 24. The multi-effect cooling system ofclaim 23, further comprising a primary condenser and wherein thesecondary heat exchanger also supplies heat to the secondary generatorfrom the primary condenser.
 25. The multi-effect cooling system of claim24, further comprising: an absorber; a secondary condenser; and a thirdheat exchanger for dissipating heat generated from the absorber or thesecondary condenser.
 26. The multi-effect cooling system of claim 25,further comprising: a pyroelectric device for converting the dissipatedheat to electrical energy.
 27. The multi-effect cooling system of claim23, further comprising a primary absorber and wherein the secondary heatexchanger also supplies heat to the secondary generator from the primaryadsorber.
 28. The multi-effect cooling system of claim 27, furthercomprising: a secondary absorber; a condenser; and a third heatexchanger for dissipating heat generated from the secondary absorber orthe condenser.
 29. The multi-effect cooling system of claim 22, whereinthe primary desorber comprises a primary adsorber chamber and thesecondary desorber comprises a secondary adsorber chamber.
 30. Themulti-effect cooling system of claim 29, further comprising a primarycondenser and wherein the secondary heat exchanger also supplies heat tothe secondary adsorber chamber from the primary condenser.
 31. Themulti-effect cooling system of claim 30, further comprising: a secondarycondenser; and a third heat exchanger for dissipating heat generatedfrom the primary adsorber chamber or the secondary condenser.
 32. Themulti-effect cooling system of claim 31, further comprising: apyroelectric device for converting the dissipated heat to electricalenergy.
 33. The multi-effect cooling system of claim 29, wherein thesecondary heat exchanger also supplies heat to the secondary adsorberfrom the primary adsorber.
 34. The multi-effect cooling system of claim33, further comprising: a condenser; and a third heat exchanger fordissipating heat generated from the secondary absorber or the condenser.